Christ Church New Bern

Guidelines for Holy Baptism

What We Believe About Baptism

Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble (BCP 298).

Holy Baptism is appropriately administered within the Eucharist as the chief service on a Sunday or other feast (BCP 298).

Holy Baptism is especially appropriate at the Easter Vigil, on the Day of Pentecost, on All Saints’ Day or the Sunday after All Saints’ Day, and on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (the First Sunday after the Epiphany). It is recommended that, as far as possible, Holy Baptism be reserved for these occasions or when a bishop is present (BCP 312).

You can find more on pages 298-314 of the Book of Common Prayer.

Here Are Suggested Dates for When We Will Be Celebrating Baptisms in 2012

•  Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (First Sunday after the Epiphany)--Jan. 08, 2012

•  Easter Vigil--Apr. 07, 2012

•  Day of Pentecost--May 27, 2012

•  Sunday after All Saints’ Day--Nov. 04, 2012

•  Bishop’s Visitation--To Be Announced

Other dates must be approved by the Rector.

What is Needed for Holy Baptism

• The completed application form for Holy Baptism must be delivered to the parish at least thirty days prior to the requested date of Baptism. All requests go to the Parish Administrator, Margi Thompson. The information request form can be found on the church website under the link for Commonly Requested Forms.
• Each candidate for Holy Baptism is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons (BCP 298).
• Parents and godparents must schedule an appointment with the clergy assigned by the rector prior to the date of the Baptism.  “It is fitting that parents be included among the godparents of their own children.
• Parents and godparents must schedule an appointment with the clergy assigned by the rector prior to the date of Baptism. "It is fitting that parents be included among the godparents of their own children. Parents and godparents are to be instructed in the meaning of Baptism, in their duties to help the new Christians grow in the knowledge and love of God, and in their responsibilities as members of his Church” (BCP 298).
• Sponsors of adults and older children present their candidates and thereby signify their endorsement of the candidates and their intention to support them by prayer and example in their Christian life. Sponsors of infants, commonly called godparents, present their candidates, make promises in their own names, and also take vows on behalf of their candidates (BCP 298).
• Confirmation classes are required prior to adult baptism. They are usually offered once a year.